A Passage to India Critical Essays

Sample Essay Outlines

Topic #1
In a 1938 essay, Forster declared, “...if I had to choose between betraying my country and betraying my friend, I hope I should have the guts to betray my country.” Demonstrate the ways in which Fielding’s actions in the novel are consistent with this statement.

Outline
I. Thesis Statement: A Passage to India illustrates the paramount value of friendship, even when it conflicts with group loyalty

II. Fielding’s friendship with Aziz must surmount many obstacles
A. The cultural and ethnic gap between them, reinforced by social structures
B. Many acquaintances attempt to undermine the friendship
C. They frequently misunderstand each other

III. Although other Anglo-Indians brand Fielding as a traitor, he sides with Aziz
A. He believes Aziz is innocent
B. He defies his own group to defend Aziz

IV. The friendship between Aziz and Fielding survives rumors and years of separation
A. After they are reunited, Aziz abandons his suspicious attitude
B. Fielding forgives him
C. Their friendship is so strong that it allows for conflict based on their differing group identities
D. Although the time and place will not allow their friendship to flourish, both men acknowledge the strength of their bond

Topic #2
Miss Quested repeatedly says that the mystery of what happened in the caves will never be solved. Some readers believed that Aziz might have been guilty of an assault, or at least a sexual advance, on her. Use the facts presented in the novel, and its narrative technique, to refute this charge.